Plateau State, Nigeria – As the countdown to the assumption of office by elected officials on May 29, 2023, continues, the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) has urged caution among politicians and civil servants to ensure a peaceful transition and a stable start for the new leadership structures in Plateau State.
Mr Pwakim Jacob Choji. the Executive Director of Youth Init0iative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) made the call while addressing journalists in Jos Plateau State today, Wednesday 10th, 2023. Stating that while the transition period at the national level appears to be proceeding smoothly, the exchange of power between two parties in Plateau State has been marred by controversy.
Pwakim stated that reports have surfaced regarding the setting up of the transition team, with the incumbent government unilaterally inaugurating its main transition committee and requesting the incoming Governor-elect to establish a separate team for a joint committee. This practice deviates from the norm and raises concerns.
He said the transition committee is not merely a ceremonial event but a crucial process that provides an opportunity for both the outgoing and incoming governments to discuss the contents of handover notes from ministries, departments, parastatals, and agencies. It also allows them to familiarize themselves with the assets and liabilities register of the state. Without a collective effort in setting up the committees, the smooth start of the new government may be undermined. The incoming team would then have to spend valuable time deciphering the contents after taking office, hindering their ability to provide quality leadership to the citizens of Plateau.
This situation is deemed unacceptable as it delays the smooth take-off of the new governor, undermines principles of transparency and accountability, and paves the way for disorderliness, political instability, and suspicion at a time when Plateau State is hopeful for the emergence of a new government. “He said”
YIAVHA went on to call for collaboration between the incumbent governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, and the governor-elect, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. This collaboration should extend to the various committees mandated by law, prioritizing the interests of Plateau citizens. It is crucial to recognize that this is not about inter-party rivalry but an effort to prevent delayed governance in Plateau.
Additionally, YIAVHA has drawn attention to the outgoing governor, appointees, and civil servants, urging them not to engage in activities that may destabilize the incoming administration. While the sitting governor can still make decisions and take actions until the new governor is sworn in on May 29, the outgoing government must be guided by moral and legal responsibilities, refraining from actions that contravene state laws and principles of good conscience.
The Executive Director of YIAVHA said it is important to remember that power is transient, and the incoming government also has the responsibility to thoroughly investigate past actions. This is not a witch-hunt but a governance best practice, as it emphasizes accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness.
Allegations of sharp practices have surfaced in the final days of the administration, including reports of a “last-minute rush” to recruit individuals into the public service over the last two months. Furthermore, backdated promotions for civil servants who should have been promoted years ago have been allegedly implemented. While YIAVHA acknowledges the good intentions behind workforce recruitment and the promotion of deserving staff, it is crucial to allow the new government to determine the necessary categories of staff for recruitment to support the implementation of their promises to the people of Plateau.
According to sources, the outgoing administration struggled to pay a wage burden of N2.1 billion for January 2023 and N2.8 billion for February of the same year, without including the over 4,000 workers recruited in the past two months. This suggests that the addition of the workforce did not consider the state’s income deeply and may not have followed due process. Consequently, this has the potential to create a labor crisis for the incoming governor upon assuming office
He said “There are allegations of indiscriminate sales of government lands, buildings, vehicles, tractors, and other equipment within and outside the state. For instance, in Jos (i) Dogon Dutse Quarters (former Army Barracks)- new beacons are being fixed; (ii) West of Mines Quarters (adjacent Police Area Command,Jos Metro). (iii) Senior Staff Quarters, Bauchi Road (iv) Rogotak-Za’ang (the land housing the new Jos South Mini Stadium and the surrounding lands).”
” In Abuja, items within the Plateau State Housing Estate at Gwarinpa. In Kaduna State, (i) property of the State Liaison Office; (ii) Vehicles and Office equipment: In Lagos: (i) property and lands (ii) vehicles and office equipment, among numerous others.”
“There are allegations that vehicles belonging to the government are being converted to individual ownership at the Plateau State Board of Internal Revenue, while spare parts of some official vehicles are being exchanged for substandard ones.” He further stated
Mr Pwakim Jacob Choji went on to say he was calling on the attention of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, people of good conscience, and the entire citizens of Plateau State to the grave allegations and further urged for proactive measures to stop the happenings that have the capacity to “affect us all”.